Dell 1545 starts but no post

[sys-eng]

Dell Inspirion 1545

Starts up disk drive spins, cooling fans blow, but nothing on screen. Connecting stand alone monitor displays nothing.

Anyone with experience with this?

 

[16k_zx81]

I would pull wireless, ram, hdd off and try again. If still no luck, board issue.

 

[shamrin]

Are you getting blinking caps and num lock on the keyboard? I had a 1526 with this problem and replacing the CMOS battery fixed it. Sounds strange but it might be worth a try, it's a $2.00 part compared to a motherboard replacement.

 

[sys-eng]

Are you getting blinking caps and num lock on the keyboard? I had a 1526 with this problem and replacing the CMOS battery fixed it. Sounds strange but it might be worth a try, it's a $2.00 part compared to a motherboard replacement.

I read somewhere that model is bad about losing its mind with BIOS battery failure. Where did you find the battery. I lifted the keyboard but did not see it. I also read that some of these do not even have a BIOS battery though that seemed strange to have that much design difference in the same model.

No lights on top. Just the battery indicator light in front when adapter is plugged in. The fan comes on then shuts off but that is normal at startup.

I really want this to be something other than the system board. My church gave it me, and I need a laptop for home use.

 

[sys-eng]

I came across the post below from another site. Seems this laptop model may have a known defect in motherboards.

-------------------------------------------

http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f108/dell-inspiron-1545-wont-boot-527229.html

"I just got a broken Dell Inspiron 1545 from a friend. When I press the power button, the power light comes on, the fans spin up, and after about 2 or 3 seconds the laptop shuts off. Nothing is ever displayed on the screen. I tried turning it on with just the battery, just the adapter, and pulled both and held the power button down for 30 seconds to do a reset. I tried replacing the hard drive with one that I know works, I reseated the RAM, replaced the RAM with stick that I know work, etc. So to me this looks like it's either the CPU or motherboard. Anyone else know what other troubleshooting step I could do or if there's any hope for this computer ?

I decided to just call up Dell and they made it sound like there was a known problem of motherboards going bad on this model, but didn't want to come out and say that to me. When I started describing the issue, they immediately said that it's definitely the motherboard that's bad. I checked ebay for motherboards, they were around $70, but most of the listings seemed kind of fishy. Dell wanted $300 to send me a new motherboard, or even more to have me send it out and have them install it for me."

 

[shamrin]

I read somewhere that model is bad about losing its mind with BIOS battery failure. Where did you find the battery. I lifted the keyboard but did not see it. I also read that some of these do not even have a BIOS battery though that seemed strange to have that much design difference in the same model.

No lights on top. Just the battery indicator light in front when adapter is plugged in. The fan comes on then shuts off but that is normal at startup.

I really want this to be something other than the system board. My church gave it me, and I need a laptop for home use.

I don't remember where it is on the 1545 but on the 1526 you have to completely disassemble the unit. I mean, remove the motherboard and take the CPU heatsink off to get the darned thing out. Again, it's a longshot, but if it's that or ditching the thing, well...

 

[sys-eng]

I did not completely remove the board or look under the heat sink but like your said, I really have nothing to loose. The best price I found on a replacement board is $135. I doubt the PC is worth that.

 

[wtigger]

laptop motherboard repair

I've posted this before, but I'll do it again... I use these guys and am very satisfied customer... Cost is about $100 and is $120 if any of the major chips are replaced (video, chipset, etc)

Computer Parts Repair & Services, Inc.

dba Compu-Genie, Inc.

6951 NW 82 Ave.

Miami, FL 33166

305-591-0700 or 786-845-8323.

MOTHERBOARD REPAIR SERVICE

We specialize in Laptop Motherboard repairs to Level Component for Compaq, HP, Toshiba, Gateway, eMachine, Sony, Dell, Acer, etc. We are able to repair motherboard as simple problems as dc jack replacement as well as no post, no power, no video, etc. We have the ability to replace internal Video RAM, Video chips, and Chipset since we work with the latest technology in BGA/SMD Rework System machines capable to do Lead-Free boards up to a size of 18îx24î. Give us a call at 786-845-8323 from Monday-to-Friday 10-6:30pm EST, to check if we repair your laptop motherboard model and to get a Service Order Number for the repair of your board. All boards repair will have 90 days warranty from the date of the invoice.

I have no connection to them other than being a very satisfied customer.

 

[sys-eng]

Thanks Wizard. I will give them a call. If it is $120 for repair, I would just get a new board for $15 more but do nt believe the system is worth that much.

 

[wtigger]

Thanks Wizard. I will give them a call. If it is $120 for repair, I would just get a new board for $15 more but do nt believe the system is worth that much.

It might be worth it, I see used 1525/1526 units selling for $300-400 online (craigslist mainly) with good specs. Those units sold for $800+ when I bought mine new 2-3 years ago. I'm using one now to post this

You can get a "new" board, meaning never used? Or "another" used board? I get them repaired mainly because the risk of buying "another" used board is that you can get screwed easily, with no warranty. These guys DO give a 90-day warranty and I've used it one time already and am totally satisfied with the service they provide...

Just my experience...

 

[BCS Head Tech]

Dell Inspirion 1545

Starts up disk drive spins, cooling fans blow, but nothing on screen. Connecting stand alone monitor displays nothing.

Anyone with experience with this?

Hello agree with 16k_zx81, pull everything from the system except one piece of known good ram. See if it posts if does not, the video chip has failed and needs to re-balled.

Which we do if you cant find someone.

 

[NYJimbo]

Your Component Level Repair Training Facility in the US(BGA< SOLDERING, REWORK, Diagnosing, Fault Finding)The only Complete 5 day Course!!

You can stop spamming now. We get it.

From your website:

Days: 5 Day Course(Mon- Fri)
Cost: $7000
Equipment: None needed all equipment provided during training. Equipment used during training will be for sale in addition to training costs.

You are just advertising and not helping anyone by offering to help people fix a computer 13 months after someone asks for help.

 

[sys-eng]

Looks like this system will go in a box until I can get back to it to completely disasseble to check CMOS battery.

I am currently busy trying to find another enterprise level job. The flood of new college grads who have set up computer repair business because they cannot find employment has taken its toll. They live with parents and do repairs for $30-$50. They are just doing what they can to get by but I cannot pay my mortgage and utilities with $50 repairs.